FROM CHURCH MILITANTTO

CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

CHURCH MILITANT

CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

NATIONAL SUNDAY LAWNATIONAL

SUNDAY LAW

CLOSE OF PROBATIONCLOSE OF PROBATION1844 AD1844 AD

CHURCH MILLITANTCHURCH

MILLITANTCHURCH

TRIUPHANT CHURCH

TRIUPHANT THE WHEAT AND

TARES MUST GROW

TOGETHER!

THE WHEAT AND TARES MUST

GROW TOGETHER!

JESUS SEPERATES THE WHEAT FROM

THE TARES!

JESUS SEPERATES THE WHEAT FROM

THE TARES!

PREPARATION TIME

PREPARATION TIME

HARVEST TIME HARVEST TIME

Testimonies to Ministers pg.45- 46,Last Days Events Chapter 12Matt. 13: 24-30

PreparationTime

CHURCH MILLITANT

CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

Little Time of Trouble

Country Living

Growing own Food

DeathDecree Armageddon

Jacobs Time of Trouble

Get ReadyThe Day & Hr.

No Mediator

CHURCH VICTORIOUS

Trouble Coming Upon the Earth

Trouble Continuing I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully. {Early Writings page 71.1}

"Said the angel, "Deny self; ye must step fast." Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and much to learn again. Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast.{Early Writings page 67.2}

"Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should?" Then I was pointed to the earth and saw that there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of late embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, "Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died." I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it. EARLY WRITINGS PAG 64

The Church Militant Is Imperfect The church militant is not the church triumphant, and earth is not heaven. The church is composed of erring, imperfect men and women, who are but learners in the school of Christ, to be trained, disciplined, educated, for this life and for the future, immortal life. --ST Jan. 4, 1883. {LDE 61.2}

Seventh-day Adventists hold as a fundamental belief that they are the remnant church referred to in Revelation 12:17. They are the church militant, not the church triumphant. The church militant is composed of both wheat and tares, but nevertheless it is the visible organization God is using to proclaim the three angels’ messages to the ends of the earth.

The Father loves His people today as He loves His own Son. Someday it will be our privilege to see Him face to face. "We should remember that the church, enfeebled and defective though it be, is the only object on earth on which Christ bestows His supreme regard. He is constantly watching it with solicitude, and is strengthening it by His Holy Spirit . . . . Trust to God's guardianship. His church is to be taught , Enfeebled and defective though it is, it is the object of His supreme regard." Selected Messages, vol. 2p. 396. (2 COR. 12:9)

"God has a church upon the earth, who are His chosen people, who keep His commandments. He is leading, not stray offshoots, not one here and one there, but a people. The truth is a sanctifying power; but the church militant is not the church triumphant. There are tares among the wheat. 'Wilt thou then that we . . . gather them up?' was the question of the servant; but the master answered, 'Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.' The gospel net draws not only good fish, but bad ones as well, and the Lord only knows who are His.” TM, p. 61.

The church of Christ on earth will be imperfect, but God does not destroy His church because of its imperfection. There have been and will be those who are filled with zeal not according to knowledge, who would purify the church, and uproot the tares from the midst of the wheat. But Christ has given special light as to how to deal with those who are erring, and with those who are unconverted in the church. There is to be no spasmodic, zealous, hasty action taken by church members in cutting off those they may think defective in character. Tares will appear among the wheat; but it would do more harm to weed out the tares, unless in God's appointed way, than to leave them alone. While the Lord brings into the church those who are truly converted, Satan at the same time brings persons who are not converted into its fellowship. While Christ is sowing the good seed, Satan is sowing the tares. There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church. One influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of the people of God. {TM 46.1}

He will raise up from among the common people men and women to do His work, even as of old He called fishermen to be His disciples. There will soon be an awakening that will surprise many. Those who do not realize the necessity of what is to be done will be passed by, and the heavenly messengers will work with those who are called the common people, fitting them to carry the truth to many places.--15MR 312 (1905). {LDE 204.2}

Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and striving to conform their lives to its precepts. The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where truth is kept in the outer court. God calls for a revival and a reformation. The words of the Bible and the Bible alone, should be heard from the pulpit. But the Bible has been robbed of its power, and the result is seen in a lowering of the tone of spiritual life. In many sermons of today there is not that divine manifestation which awakens the conscience and brings life to the soul. The hearers cannot say, "Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" Luke 24:32. There are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine presence. Let the word of God speak to the heart. Let those who have heard only tradition and human theories and maxims, hear the voice of Him who can renew the soul unto eternal life. {PK 626.1}

For years the Lord has been calling the attention of His people to health reform. This is one of the great branches of the work of preparation for the coming of the Son of man. John the Baptist went forth in the spirit and power of Elijah 62to prepare the way of the Lord and to turn the people to the wisdom of the just. He was a representative of those living in these last days to whom God has entrusted sacred truths to present before the people to prepare the way for the second appearing of Christ. John was a reformer. The angel Gabriel, direct from heaven, gave a discourse upon health reform to the father and mother of John. He said that he should not drink wine or strong drink, and that he should be filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth. {3T 61.3}

Before we can carry the message of present truth in all its fulness to other countries, we must first break every yoke. We must come into the line of true education, walking in the wisdom of God, and not in the wisdom of the world. God calls for messengers who will be true reformers. We must educate, educate, to prepare a people who will understand the message, and then give the message to the world.. {SpTB11 30.1}

A message has been given me for our responsible men throughout the field, and I dare not remain silent. Words were spoken to me in the night season, that brought a heavy burden on my soul. The messenger said, Arouse the watchmen to set at work many laborers who will diligently strive for the salvation of souls. Let the light shine forth to every place. It is not so much expensive facilities that are most needed now, but humble, faithful men and women, who have the fear of God before them, and the spirit of revival in their hearts. {LUH, November 4, 1908 par. 1} We are in the last days of this earth's history. Our work is reformatory. Those who take a part in it have no excuse for indolence or ignorance. We are to work according to the directions given in the Word of God, and in harmony with the light he is sending through the agency of his Holy Spirit. How earnestly we should strive to come up to all our high privileges, and to meet the standard set for us in Christ Jesus! The only hope of producing a harvest of souls for the courts of God is in unselfish labor. We must open the truths of the Bible to the people, that they may be warned of their dangers and be sanctified through the truth. The life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit must come into every soul.

If the church would manifest a greater interest in the reforms which God Himself has brought to them to fit them for His coming, their influence would be tenfold what it now is. {3T 170.3} Many who profess to believe the Testimonies live in neglect of the light given. The dress reform is treated by some with great indifference and by others with contempt, because there is a cross attached to it. For this cross I thank God. It is just what we need to distinguish and separate God's commandment-keeping people from the world. The dress reform answers to us as did the ribbon of blue to ancient Israel. The proud, and those who have no love for sacred truth, which will separate them from the world, will show it by their works. God in His providence has given us the light upon health reform, that we may understand it in all its bearings, follow the light it brings, and by rightly relating ourselves to life have health that we may glorify God and be a blessing to others. {3T 171.1}

The Unlimited Potential of the ChurchAll of this is assurance that it is God’s intention that the Church Militant should walk in the same life, power, and divine liberty as Jesus walked. “As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” This “even so” suggests that we are sent under the same circumstances, with the same authority, and with the same resources as the Father sent the Son. God does not set any arbitrary limits to the church’s use of divine resources. He has made available all that He is to a believing Church. “Of his fullness have all we received” John 1 : 16. “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Eph. 3: 19. All limitation is on the part of the believer. One saint realized the full potential of walking with God, clear up to translation. What one man did by faith, it is conceivable that others may do. God has given us the keys of the kingdom of heaven, but He does not compel us to use them. He waits. The rest is up to us, His church. In His triumph over Satan, He has given us the needed weapons. Luke 10:19, Romans 16:20, Hebrews 2:14

“CHURCH MILITANT” LET US STRIVE!“Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds, foreheads, and written in our hearts. “The Lord has shown me the danger of letting our minds be filled with worldly thoughts and cares. . . . In these things I saw great danger; for if the mind is filled with other things, present truth is shut out, and there is no place in our foreheads for the seal of the living God.” EW 58. “Let us strive with all power that God has given us to be among the hundred and forty-four thousand.” RH March 9, 1905. Jeremiah 31:31-34

Today is the time to keep the commandments of God. Now is the time to exalt the standard, to be sanctified by true Sabbathkeeping. Now is the time to overcome, by the help and grace of God, all our defects of character and stand firm at the final test. It is not possible for us by our own power and strength to be saved. Let us seek the Lord with a humble heart, confess our sins and faults, and ask Him to do for us that which we are unable to do, that the covering may be drawn over us and we may be sheltered, and have in our foreheads the seal of the living God, and be members of the 144,000.

Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master's will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. . . . Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples. . . . From Maranatha - Page 241

What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth--these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. From Maranatha - Page 241

Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God--candidates for heaven.From Maranatha - Page 241

The seal is an invisible mark of loyalty and obedience to our Creator. “What is the seal of the living God, which is placed in the foreheads of His people? It is a mark which angels, but not human eyes, can read; for the destroying angel must see this mark of redemption. The intelligent mind has seen the sign of the cross of Calvary in the Lord’s adopted sons and daughters. The sin of the transgression of the law of God is taken away. They have on the wedding garment, and are obedient and faithful to all God’s commands. “-7 Bible Commentary, 968/2:4. (REV. 14:4-5)

“As wax takesthe impression of

the seal, so the soul isto take the impression of

the Spirit of God andretain the image

of Christ.”—FLB, p. 287.

(Ephesians 4:30, 1:13)REV. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The seal is a settling into the truth. “Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads -it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved -just as soon as God’s people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already.” - 4 Bible Commentary 1161/2:3.

The seal will be our passport through the heavenly gates. “Only those who receive the seal of the living God will have the passport through the gates of the Holy City.”-7 Bible Commentary, 970/1:1. (REV. 22:14)

The seal will only be placed on those who are like Christ. “The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character.”- 7 Bible Commentary, 970/1:3. (Phil.2:5) (Matt. 11:29) (1 Cor. 1:3-8)

The truth is that the righteousness of Christ does not cover known, unforsaken sins! Yes, only Christ can take away our sins, but He will not do it without our cooperation. We must strive against temptation −and put our will to the task. But, without a total dedication to Jesus, that striving and willing is useless. It is the cooperative venture that succeeds; Jesus will not do it for us without our willingness and effort, and we can never, never do it without His mighty power. The part that Jesus does is infinitely great, and the part we do is infinitely small; yet without that our small part, victory and purity will not be obtained.

“Are we striving with all our God-given powers to reach the measure of the stature of men and women In Christ? Are we seeking for His fullness, ever reaching higher and higher, trying to attain to the perfection of His character? When God’s servants reach this point, they will be sealed in their foreheads. The recording angel will declare, ‘It is done.’ They will be complete in Him whose they are by creation and by redemption.”-3 Selected Messages, 427:2.

The National Sunday law separates wheat from tares! As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbath-keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them. {GC88 608.1}

"Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner." Matthew 3:12. This was one of the times of purging. By the words of truth, the chaff was being separated from the wheat. Because they were too vain and self-righteous to receive reproof, too world-loving to accept a life of humility, many turned away from Jesus. Many are still doing the same thing. Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see that their lives are not in accordance with the will of God. They see the need of an entire change in themselves; but they are not willing to take up the self-denying work. Therefore they are angry when their sins are discovered. They go away offended, even as the disciples left Jesus, murmuring, "This is an hard saying; who can hear it?" {DA 392.2}

The time is not far distant, when the test will come to every soul. . . . In this time, the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will be clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy, will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ's righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness.--Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 80,81.

"Prosperity multiplies a mass of professors. Adversity purges them out of the church." -4 Testimonies, 89:2."Divisions will come in the church. Two parties will be developed. The wheat and tares grow up together for the harvest." - 2 Selected Messages, 114:0.

"When the day comes when the law of God is made void, and the church is sifted by the fiery trials that are to try all that live upon the earth, a great proportion of those who are supposed to be genuine will give heed to seducing spirits, and will turn traitors and betray sacred trusts. They will prove our very worst persecutors."-6 Bible Commentary, 1065:1/1.

"Many a star that we have admired for its brilliance will then go out in darkness." -Prophets and Kings, 188:1.

"Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat." -5 Testimonies, 81:1.

‘”The shaking of God blows away multitudes like dry leaves." -4 Testimonies,89:2.

"In the last solemn work few great men will be engaged." -5 Testimonies, 80:1.

"Soon God's people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal."-5 Testimonies, 136:1."To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. " 5 Testimonies, 136:2.

"When the law of God is made void the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we now anticipate, will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” -2 Selected Messages, 368:1.

"Let opposition arise, let bigotry and intolerance again bear sway, let persecution be kindled, and the halfhearted and hypocritical will waver and yield the faith; but the true Christian will stand firm as a rock, his faith stronger, his hope brighter than in days of prosperity.” -Great Controversy, 602:1.

"Amidst the deepening shadows of earth's last great crisis, God's light will shine brightest, and the song of hope and trust will be heard in clearest and loftiest strains.” -Education, 166:7.

"When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd's voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will comeback to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to the enemy a united front. In view of the common peril, strife for supremacy will cease; there will be no disputing as to who shall be accounted greatest. . Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord."- 6 Testimonies, 401:1.

"Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God." -8 Testimonies, 41:1.

"The numbers of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind In darkness, and their places were immediately filled by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks."-Early Writings, 271:1.

"The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had the light which has been shining in a concentrated blaze upon you. But it may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In the day time we look toward heaven but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine luster. "-5 Testimonies, 80:1-81:0.

"Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord's side." - Great Controversy, 612:2.

“IT IS A SOLEMN STATEMENT that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history,…. They are professedly serving God, but they are more earnestly serving mammon. This half-and-half work is a constant denying of Christ, rather than a confessing of Christ.” {ChS 41.1}

NATIONAL SUNDAY LAWNATIONAL

SUNDAY LAW

CLOSE OF PROBATIONCLOSE OF PROBATION1844 AD1844 AD

CHURCH MILLITANTCHURCH

MILLITANTCHURCH

TRIUPHANT CHURCH

TRIUPHANT THE WHEAT AND

TARES MUST GROW

TOGETHER!

THE WHEAT AND TARES MUST

GROW TOGETHER!

JESUS SEPERATES THE WHEAT FROM

THE TARES!

JESUS SEPERATES THE WHEAT FROM

THE TARES!

PREPARATION TIME

PREPARATION TIME

HARVEST TIME HARVEST TIME

Testimonies to Ministers pg.45- 46,Last Days Events Chapter 12Matt. 13: 24-30

PreparationTime

CHURCH MILLITANT

CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

Little Time of Trouble

Country Living

Growing own Food

DeathDecree Armageddon

Jacobs Time of Trouble

Get ReadyThe Day & Hr.

No Mediator

CHURCH VICTORIOUS

Trouble Coming Upon the Earth

Trouble Continuing I also saw that many do not realize what they must be in order to live in the sight of the Lord without a high priest in the sanctuary through the time of trouble. Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully. {Early Writings page 71.1}

"Said the angel, "Deny self; ye must step fast." Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and much to learn again. Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast.{Early Writings page 67.2}

"Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should?" Then I was pointed to the earth and saw that there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of late embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, "Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died." I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it. EARLY WRITINGS PAG 64

CHRIST OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS!

THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST HAS POWER TO SAVE US COMPLETELY FROM SIN!

“Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of Himself: ‘The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.’ John 14:30. Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept His Father’s commandments, and there was no sin in Him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble. “It is In this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ. . None can neglect or defer this work but at the most fearful peril to their souls.”-GC 623:1-2.

“The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. . All who receive the seal must be without spot before God.” -5 Testimonies, 216:2. (1 John. 1:7-9) (Eph. 5:27)

“God requires perfection of His children. His law Is a transcript of His own character, and it is the standard of all character. This infinite standard is presented to all that there may be no mistake in regard to the kind of people whom God will have to compose His kingdom.”-Christ Object Lessons, 315:1. “Those only who through faith in Christ obey all of God’s commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. They testify to their love of Christ by obeying all His precepts.” -8 Manuscript Releases, 99:2. To sin means to crucify Jesus (Heb. 6:6), and sin is the transgression of God’s holy law (1 John. 3:4). If you love Jesus would you continue crucifying.

“God’s Ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning, “The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christ-like life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.

“The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect In His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God, He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Lord says of those who believe in Him, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people,’ “Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. . by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith In Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our ‘Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ “Desire of Ages, 311:2-312:0.

The Church Triumphant Will Be Faithful and Christlike

The work is soon to close. The members of the church militant who have proved faithful will become the church triumphant.--Ev 707 (1892). {LDE 62.1} The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and He longed intensely to impart this love to others in rich measure. Compassion beamed from His countenance, and His conduct was characterized by grace, humility, truth, and love. Every member of His church militant must manifest the same qualities, if he would join the church triumphant.--FE 179 (1891) {LDE 62.2}

The Church Triumphant.--The work is soon to close. The members of the church militant who have proved faithful will become the church triumphant. And still our General, who never makes a mistake, says to us, "Advance; enter new territory; lift the standard in every land. 'Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.'" The time has come when through God's messengers the scroll is being unrolled to the world. The truth contained in the first, second, and third angels' messages must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; it must lighten the darkness of every continent, and extend to the islands of the sea. There must be no delay in this work. Our watchword is to be, Onward, ever onward! Angels of heaven will go before us to prepare the way. Our burden for the regions beyond can never be laid down till the whole earth is lightened with the glory of the Lord. {Ev 707.1-4}

They moved in exact order, firm like a company of soldiers. Their countenances expressed the severe conflict which they had endured, the agonizing struggle they had passed through. Yet their features, marked with severe internal anguish, shone now with the light and glory of heaven. They had obtained the victory, and it called forth from them the deepest gratitude, and holy, sacred joy…..

some had been shaken out, and left by the way. The careless and indifferent who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to agonize, persevere, and plead for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness, and their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth, and coming into the ranks. The Great Controversy, by Ellen G. White, [1858],chapter 32,The Shaking

“By Implanting In their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory −His character −is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom’s home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”-Christ’s Object Lessons, 414:2.

“In the future, the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God, A holy influence is to go forth to the world from those who are sanctified through the truth. The earth is to be encircled with an atmosphere of grace. The Holy Spirit is to work on human hearts, taking the things of God and showing them to men.” -9 Testimonies, 40:2.

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp [that] burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. (Is. 61:11 to 62:1-4)